Daniel Defoe's "Roxana" is a compelling story that vividly paints a picture of woman who desires role larger than the social norm. Roxana desires wealth and power and lets these desires lead her actions. This is where Defoe brilliantly depicts a fierce internal conflict within Roxana as she leaves her children behind her to seek her fortune and fame.
             "I was rich, beautiful, and agreeable, and not yet old; I had known something of the Influence I had upon the Fancies of Men, even of the highest Rank;" (p. 201) Here Roxana confesses that it is merely her looks and her use of the female body that had lifted her from poverty to fame. She goes on to tell that great men, Princes and other important people have confided to her that she is the most beautiful and for that she holds their heart.
             "I got over the Absence of my honest Merchant but slowly at first; it was with infinite Regret that I let him go at-all;" (p.201-202) While Roxana holds the hearts to men of stature she also realizes and feely admits her remorse in leaving the Merchant. Roxana here relates that, despite her ability to ignore it, there is more substance to love than just the physical pleasures.
             These two quotes are effect examples of the struggle Roxana faces throughout the book. Roxana's main opponent and source of criticism is herself as she battles with the morality of her actions and her own personal sense of gratification.
             As Roxana talked of the Merchant above and her deep regret in what transpired, she almost immediately sets herself apart from her sadness by telling herself what has been done is done and she cannot change this. While that is certainly true, Roxana seems to take little away from the experience choosing to repent for each sin rather than strive to not sin at all.
             Roxana is not blind to what and who she is, but she does struggle with whether or not she can justify it. She will call h...